Easy Workouts in the Fitness Center

IMG_0023 You pass by it every day - that door in the building marked "Fitness Center." Isn't it about time you used it? Many ignore their community's fitness center, opting either for larger, full-service gyms or forgoing exercise altogether. But what 520 Park Avenue's fitness center lacks in equipment, it makes up for in convenience - it's open 24/7, just steps from your door! And through the useful tips below on how to take advantage of the fitness center, you'll be breaking a sweat in no time. One benefit an on-site gym offers is that residents rarely overlap with other tenants, meaning you can run your own interval-training workout (like the ones listed below) using multiple pieces of equipment at a time. Each workout can be scaled for either the fitness fanatic or the absolute beginner.   Let's Start With The Basics It is suggested that a regimen of bodyweight movements done in a small space can be made more difficult by simply adding weight. Things like squatspushups and lunges can be easily learned, then you drill on the mechanics and get it right before going more intense. Making sure you're doing each exercise right is key, especially in a space where you'll typically be working out alone. You can't throw weights in your hands if you don't know the proper way to squat. Focus On Your Core Your core is like your car's transmission; it's where much of your power comes from when you exercise. Concentration on exercises from your core to your extremities, avoiding machines that take away any core stabilization - and avoiding targeted movements like bicep curls. Instead, focus on the way you feel opposed to the way you think you'll look. Keep Track Of Everything Another perk of having the fitness center to yourself is there's no one to compete with, it's just you against yourself. One of the best ways to keep yourself motivated is by measuring your own fitness level. If you keep track of everything you do and then revisit it, you can see yourself building results. By setting a tangible goal and keeping on top of yourself, you're going to perform and feel better. Here are a few self-propelled workouts to test in Overlook's fitness center. Give them a try, you might surprise yourself.
  1. In 10 minutes, complete as many rounds as possible of:
Beginner: 5 sit-ups, 10 push-ups, 15 walking lunges Advanced: v-ups, 10 man-makers with dumbbells, 15 walking lunges with dumbbells
  1. Complete three rounds, as fast as possible of:
Beginner: 10 squat jumps, 100m sprint on the treadmill Advanced: 10 goblet squats, 100m sprint
  1. Four 400m runs on treadmill with a two-minute rest in between run.
  2. Complete all movements as quickly as possible:
Beginner: 100 squats for time, pausing at the start of every minute to complete four burpees Amateur: 100 dumbbell front squats, pausing at the start of every minute to complete four burpees.